Just returned from Kauai and Honolulu
 

My new husband and I just returned from Kauai (where we were married on Tuesday) and Honolulu. We loved Kauai and really did not like Oahu. However, more than anything, I wanted to post some recommendations (and warnings) on things to see, do, or eat, as I had a hard time finding some info.<BR><BR>Do and See on Kauai<BR><BR>1. Helicopter Tour (We did Jack Harter and loved it!)<BR>2. Rent a convertible -- having the top off offers the best views! (But wear sunscreen!)<BR>3. Kayak the Hanalei (and you can do it on your own without a tour group) -- rent a dry bag!<BR>4. Shop in Hanalei<BR>5. Explore! We spent much of our time driving -- the next trip we'll spend doing more specific activities.<BR>6. On the list for the next time -- hike the trail at the end of the road in Hanalei (I can't remember its name). It's an 8-mile hike, so plan to spend the day.<BR><BR>We stayed at The Marriott and really enjoyed all aspects of it except the beach, as the water was not as clear and the surf a little more treacherous. However, if you plan to explore various beaches, that should be no problem. And the bed was the most confortable of any hotel we've ever visited!<BR><BR>Eat (Kauai)<BR><BR>Every place we ate at was great except Bubba Burgers -- rather tasteless but cheap if that's what you're looking for.<BR><BR>The great places -- Beach House Restaurant in Poipu, Cafe Portofino in Lihue, Kukui's restauarnt breakfast buffet at The Marriott in Lihue, Zelo's Beach House in Hanalei, Duke's at The Marriott. The food at Smith's Luau was good, but the show was less than I expected. Shells at The Sheraton in Poipu is okay -- I thought it was too pricey for the quality of the food.<BR><BR>Do and See on Oahu<BR><BR>Oahu was a letdown after Kauai, and I don't think we'll return. However, we rented a car and drove around the island. The pineapple plantations are neat to see, and we stopped at a place called The Macadamia Nut Farm on the N/E side of the island. They have beautiful gardens, they're very friendly, and they sell these awesome Moa Better Macadamia Nut/Chocolate Chip cookies. Yum!<BR><BR>Eat on Oahu<BR><BR>Nick's Fishmarket -- We can't say enough about this place! Amazing food (get the chef's special combinations -- tons of food for $30!), and the service was outstanding!<BR><BR>The Chart House -- overlooking the harbor. Very good service, and great fish!<BR><BR>Stay away from Turtle Bay Resort -- it's undergoing renovations, and the lunchtime service at the restaurant was lousy! (We didn't stay there but ate lunch there.)<BR><BR>If you want to stay someplace intimate, the Hilton Hawaiian Village is not the place. But if you want to shop, have kids, or want a large resort, it's right up your alley!<BR><BR>I hope this helps anyone planning a trip. We both are in love with Kauai and have definite plans to return!

Welome back Shannon. Tell me about the paddle up the Hanalei river. I often wondered if this river lead up into the Hanalei Wildlife refuge. Did you have a condo in Hanalei?

looks like the river goes by the taro patches near the wildlife refuge. Is that so?

The trail at the end of the road is the Kalalau trail it is 11 miles long, it is only two miles to the first beach but tough on a sunny day and slippery on many overcast days. I had to turn back in both situations. There is always more to find. I have yet to find a great place to buy leis, go to Kauai museum, those gardens on the west side and then some, list can get exhaustive.

I definitely agreed on Nick's Fishmarket as being one of the best meals we had in HI. We were there three weeks ago and we're still raving about the place. The service was great and the food was fabulous. I also had the chef's special. I didn't think it was too much food but it was a nice portion to make me content. My boyfriend had the anniversary special 5 course meal which was also fabulous. I didn't like Oahu as much either (we visited Maui as well and loved it) but if we were to ever go back, we would definitely eat at Nick's again!

Aloooohaaa Shannon,<BR>The only way to eat a Bubba's burger is by getting the triple Bubba with cheese! Then you can finally taste it! The single and dbl brings to mind "Where's the Beef?"<BR>Plus the chili cheese fries w/ onions eaten on the bench in Hanalei is what I think secretly keeps Mrs Kal in training all year long.<BR><BR>Nice to know Jack Harter is still doing a nice tour! we're considering another this trip since it's been awhile.<BR><BR>Did they still have "Taco Tuesdays" at Duke's?<BR>Ahhhh...200 to go!<BR><BR>Try the ATV tour next trip.<BR>Sounds like you may have brought back a "Kauai Jones"?<BR>Mahalo,<BR>Kal

"Kauai Jones", Kal? :)<BR><BR>The kayak trip takes you through the taro fields. It is very peaceful, and if you're from suburbia, like we are, it is just the antidote! We saw one other couple and one individual on the way up -- the same on the way back. I do have to wonder how many people actually go to the end, as all those people were at the beginning. (We did the whole thing.)<BR><BR>We rented from Kayak Kauai in Hanalei. You don't have to worry about hauling the kayak anywhere -- they have a place where you can put in right there!

Shannon,<BR>Yep. I'm addicted to Kauai. Just the mention of the word "Lihue" will lower my blood pressure 20 points!<BR><BR>195!!!<BR>Kal

Shannon: Congratulations on your weeding! You probably passed us on the Kalalau Trail - we were the couple with the 5 year old and 10 year old. I would add that Ke'e Beach at the end of the road on the North Shore (trailhead to the Kalalau Trail) is excellent. Other excellent beaches are Salt Pond Beach and Gillian's Beach. In Hanalei, we had a Hubba Bubba (hamburger, hot dog and chili) at Bubba Burgers - it was good, but rather over-priced. I agree that Kauai is a wonderful place, with something for everyone. <BR> We also did not care for Oahu. It was far too congested and commercial. Perhaps we should have stayed there first, before we relaxed on Kauai!

Marsha, where did you stay in Kauai? We will be going soon with an 18 mos. old & would like to stay in the north shore region.

Shannon thanks for the word on the taro fields I have asked that here a few times.<BR><BR>55 Mo days<BR><BR>A HUI HO!!!